Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau has hailed the victory of the All Progressives Congress in  Saturday’s governorship election in Edo, describing it as a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Barau said this on Monday, noting that the people’s say remained the most potent force in any democracy.

The senator commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for upholding the people’s will as expressed by their votes. He also applauded the visionary leadership of the national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, which, according to him, has given the party more cohesion and ultimately led to the party’s victory in the election.

“The victory of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, in last Saturday’s governorship election in Edo is well-deserved. I congratulate the governor-elect, Okpebholo, and all our supporters on this victory. It is not just a victory for the APC but for our democracy and the people of Edo.

“This victory is a further expression of the confidence of the people of the state in the exemplary leadership and performance of President Tinubu since his assumption of office in May last year.

“It is also a result of the visionary leadership of our national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who has made the party more cohesive and paved the way for its victory in this election,” he said.

Mr Barau, while calling on the governor-elect to be magnanimous in victory, urged all those who contested the elections but lost to lend their support in moving Edo forward.

“I, therefore, implore my friend, the governor-elect, Okpebholo, to be magnanimous in victory and equally call on all others who contested against him but lost to lend their hands of support in moving Edo forward,” he said.

INEC declared Monday Okpebholo of the APC as the winner of the Edo governorship election.

Mr Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes against Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 247,274 votes. Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata garnered 22,763 votes. 

(NAN)